Betsy Apking and Lucia Konrath attended the College Fairs at St. Gregory’s College Prep High School and Salpointe Catholic High School. Later that evening Kim Nyoni led the charge at the Tucson Convention Center with Betsy’s help. Kim is a new member and will be a great asset to our chapter. He has had a lot of experience representing UNL at college fairs in the other cities he has lived. Students express a lot of interest in the University of Nebraska and it is surprising how many have connections to Nebraska through their grandparents or other family members that may be from Nebraska or attended school there.

We had postcards for interested students to fill out and 80 completed postcards were returned to us and we only had one blank one remaining by the end of the day! We had a few school counselors request additional information packets for their schools. We let the students know that there is scholarship money available to students that attend any of the Nebraska campuses from southern Arizona. When they apply and fill out the standard scholarship form from the University, they will automatically be considered for our chapter’s scholarship, based on their zip code. They do not have to fill out additional forms or paperwork.

Students always ask questions about sports and also if their major of interest is available. One of the most popular majors seemed to be the forensic sciences (crime scene investigation).

A number of the alumni representatives from the other schools in the B1G 10 came over to welcome us and many of them had attended the Corn Roast.

All of the information collected was returned to the University and we have expressed our interest with them to keep us informed of other activities they would like us to assist with, they host Senior Send-offs in some other cities and that could be a great activity for southern Arizona. UNL Admissions has developed training that can be watched online that is really interesting and tells about the changes on campus and how the University has grown. They have also developed an incentive program, so that the more you volunteer in activities the more rewards you are eligible to receive. If you are interested, please check out the following website: http://www.admissions.unl.edu/alumni

Thank you,

Lucia

The Campus at the University of Nebraska

Looking at universities? Looking at the costs? Yes, they have all been going up and it is more expensive every year. Here is a tip that might help you reduce the cost.

Your group, Southern Arizonans for Nebraska can help you or friends of yours if you are considering any campus of the University of Nebraska. That includes Lincoln, Omaha and Kearney and is also available for Southern Arizona high school graduates from Pima, Cochise, Santa Cruz or Pinal counties.

Students must meet the academic standards of the University of Nebraska and preference will be given to candidates who have demonstrated financial need. Currently we have two students that we are supporting and a third just recently completed her years of study.

An application can be obtained from our Scholarship Chairman, Lucia Konrath.

This program is entirely funded by members of SOAZ4NE through their dues, the golf tournament and raffle tickets at each of our football watch sites as well as individual contributions. Be on the lookout for graduating students and help them enjoy the wonder of attending the University of Nebraska.

As a means of getting this message out to students we attend and support the annual “College Fair Night” at many of our local school districts. We are always looking for alumni volunteers who will help spread the Husker story. Just let Lucia know that you are interested in getting the Nebraska University information out to interested and academically qualified students.

Megan Dowling SOAZ4NE Former Scholarship Awardee

As a young girl I remember going to Husker football watch parties to support my parent’s alma mater, and when I chose to attend UNL to pursue a degree in interior design, Southern Arizonans for Nebraska generously showed their continued support. I would like to thank SOAZ4NE for their financial support of annual scholarships and matching financial aid that helped me to reach my educational goals and obtain a Bachelor of Science in design degree in May 2011. After graduation I was able to find a professional position in Tucson, AZ as an interior designer and I am blessed to have had the support of Southern Arizonans for Nebraska along the way. I am glad was able to share my experience at UNL with such a great group. Go Big Red!

Jaimie Pruden, Another SOAZ4NE Scholarship Recipient

I decided to attend the University of Nebraska-Lincoln on a bit of a whim, as a result of connecting with the utterly fabulous voice teacher I now study with. Southern Arizonans for Nebraska have helped make it possible for me to pursue my Bachelor of Music degree in Vocal Performance at a university which truly cares about facilitating the growth of young performing artists. Not only have I developed tremendously as a musician since my first semester, I have also been blessed with a multitude of opportunities to pursue my other creative goals. I have worked as a costume coordinator for the past two University Opera productions (The Light in the Piazza and Romeo and Juliet). My University Theatre credits include Eliante in The Misanthrope and Valentina Twelfth Night as well as lead roles in several students’ thesis projects (Deb in Heartaches, a fully produced short film, and Claire in Ordinary Days, a new musical). This summer, I am thrilled to be acting professionally as Signe in Church Basement Ladies with the Nebraska Repertory Theatre, a branch of the Johnny Carson School of Theatre and Film which strives to provide opportunities for students to work alongside professional actors and technicians. Besides being a valuable learning experience and resume-builder, this program has allowed me to work my way towards a membership in the Actor’s Equity Association, the professional actors’ union. I am so very thankful for the financial assistance from Southern Arizonans for Nebraska which has afforded me so many incredible opportunities to grow as an artist and a scholar!